300 Officers Support Kindergartener At Graduation After Officer Dad Dies

Tatum Raetz tragically lost her police officer father while he was on duty, but she received overwhelming support during her kindergarten graduation when nearly 300 officers showed up to her ceremony. Watch the emotional video.

Tatum Raetz was prepared to attend her kindergarten graduation ceremony without her father, who died on the line of duty while investigating a drunk driving case. But she and her mom Stephanie Raetz received an emotional surprise during the special day.

Police Officers Attend Kindergarten Graduation

Nearly 300 police officers lined the sidewalk of Tatum’s Phoenix elementary school during the day of the graduation to greet Tatum and her mom as they arrived for the ceremony. They gave little Tatum a bouquet of flowers, and she and her mom walked through the sea of proud officers with smiles and tears during the emotional moment.

“When they stepped out of the car, they saw a sea of blue out there. The officers were clapping, calling out her name, congratulating her,” James Holmes, Phoenix police department spokesman, said. “The look on her face was absolutely priceless.”

“We probably soaked the sidewalk,” he added. “It was impossible not to be emotional in that moment.”

Tatum Raetz’s Dad Killed While Investigating DUI

Tatum’s dad Daryl Raetz was struck by a vehicle and killed on the early morning of May 19 while investigating a DUI. He had been with the police department for six years.

When police officers heard about the tragedy, they wanted to lend their support. It turned into the entire department being there for the ceremony — some of whom were off duty, or had just come from overnight shifts.

So sweet. Watch the video below, and tell us what you think, HollywoodLifers? Were YOU touched by the video?